ICS Vortex

Fans of Norwegian metal are no doubt familiar with the man known as
ICS Vortex, as he is a former or current member of three standout bands
in
Arcturus,
Borknagar,
and
Dimmu Borgir.
Here, he strikes out on his own with Storm Seeker, roping in some big
underground names to help out.
The first impression is that this album is less overtly metal than any
of his previous bands (certainly this is not Dimmu-style symphonic
black metal),
not so much a radical departure from his past
but rather branching out and exploring ideas that have been hinted at
in his past.
This is progressive post-black metal/rock,
with Simen's clean clear vocals at
the forefront and a almost relaxed riffing style, closest perhaps
to Borknagar or even mid-period
Opeth
at times.